If you manage a fleet of municipal trucks in the Upper Midwest, you know the terrain – and the weather- don’t always play fair. From spring thaw to city cleanup, from rough job sites to round-the-clock municipal schedules, your trucks need to be ready for whatever the job throws your way.
At Custom Truck, we understand these challenges because we build and supply trucks for them. Whether you’re working in Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Des Moines, or any of the hardworking communities across the region, here are three major challenges and the equipment that’s built to solve them.
1. Muddy, Unstable Sites in Spring and Early Summer
Once the snow melts, the ground turns into soup. Crews face serious accessibility problems across new builds, field service work, and utility maintenance. Especially when traditional wheeled vehicles can’t make it across the site.
The solution? Track equipment.
Our tracked bucket trucks, digger derricks, and service bodies are made for soft terrain. These machines deliver traction and floatation that keep your team moving – whether they’re restoring lines along wetland routes or working in remote zones with no paved access.
High-clearance dump trucks are also great additions here. Designed to navigate through standing water, mud, and soft surfaces, they’re ideal for site prep and hauling during shoulder seasons.
2. Waste Management Demands That Don’t Take a Break
In cities large and small across the Upper Midwest, refuse collection is a constant task. From spring cleanup programs to fall leaf removal and regular weekly pickup, solid waste operations don’t get to pause for weather, or equipment failure.
The solution? Reliable refuse trucks and rear-loaders built to withstand heavy use and stop-start cycles, even in tight city streets.
- Built-in hydraulic systems designed for cold starts
- Rugged bodies that resist corrosion from salt and grime
With service routes growing and crews stretched thin, you need trucks that maximize uptime and efficiency.
3. Keeping Up With Growing Telecom Demands
Telecom crews across the Upper Midwest face increasing pressure to expand networks, maintain aging infrastructure, and respond fast to outages – especially in rural and underserved communities. With everything from severe weather to increased demand for broadband access, staying ahead requires equipment that’s as dependable and flexible as your crew.
The solution? Purpose-built telecom trucks.
Custom Truck One Source offers a full range of telecom vehicles designed to handle both urban density and rural reach. These include:
- Cable placers for fast, elevated line installation
- Tracked bucket trucks for accessing off-road towers, flood zones, or forested terrain
- Pole trailers and reel loaders that make transport and placement easier—even in tight city spaces or muddy country roads
Every unit is designed with uptime in mind, featuring insulated cabs for winter comfort, advanced hydraulic systems for precision work, and custom upfit options based on the unique needs of your territory.
Plus, with Custom Truck’s nationwide support and financing, telecom contractors and municipalities alike can build fleets that are ready for anything – from the next fiber rollout to storm-related emergency repairs.
Custom Support, Local Solutions
At Custom Truck One Source, we stock fleet-ready equipment. Our team understands regional challenges and offers tailored upfitting, rental options, and financing through Custom Truck Capital.
Need help navigating seasonal specs? Want to prep your municipal fleet for year-round uptime? We’re here for it. Explore our dump trucks, refuse units, track equipment, and telecom solutions today.
* This blog is part of a regional series focused on the unique equipment needs across different parts of the U.S. The information provided here specifically addresses the demands and conditions of the Upper Midwest region. Equipment recommendations and operational insights may vary based on local regulations, climate, and job requirements. Always consult with a Custom Truck One Source representative to ensure the right fit for your project.